Uzima Crafts 

How it all began.....

In 2012 the donor agency that was supporting our program for orphans pulled out of Mwanza. The students had school fees to pay. That was the inspiration to teach them a to make something that we could hopefully sell to raise funds for them. Without start-up funds our options were limited. The director decided to teach the secondary students to make paper beads. This was a huge hit. Soon the boys were making beads and the girls turning them into jewelry. Our new product needed a name. We decided on "Bongo Beads" since a popular music was called "Bongo Flava," and that name has stuck.

How many things can you make out of paper beads?

We started out with necklaces. Then we decided why not offer short and long necklaces? This was soon followed by bracelets. But what if you want earrings to match? So we figured out a way to make earrings - both dangle and hoop style. Fortunata, our OVC coordinator, soon became a jewelry designer with a staff of dedicated students joining in. See the "Jewelry" tab for photos of our jewelry.

From Bongo Beads to Baggy Pants and beyond....

Soon we realized that we needed to expand our product line. Soon we were sewing baggy pants from local African print fabric. These have a drawstring waist so they are adjustable and can be worn by men or women. With the fabric that was left over we began sewing patchwork pillows. Then we got the idea "We need an African style cross." Why not use African fabric? Soon crosses were part of our collection. These new products needed a name so "Uzima Creations" was born. See our tab "Uzima Creations" for photos of our latest products.

Now where do we sell our crafts?

In the city of Mwanza there is a biannual Mwanza Charity Craft Fair and Uzima Centre is part of the planning committee. So twice a year we pack up our products and head to the craft fair. We also have our products in two small shops in town. When visitors come to Uzima Centre that is also an opportunity to sell what we can. We have been blessed to have a few people in the United States who purchase items from us which they then sell at their local church bazaars or craft shows. This not only helps us financially but it also spreads the word about Uzima Centre and the work we do. If you would like more information about this opportunity please see the tab "How you can help?"